Local News – Friday, October 23, 2020
The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met for their regular meeting on Thursday, October 15th, at the Health Center. Administrator Kendra Mobray updated the board on the Health Center’s continued response to Covid-19. She reported that cases are rising steadily across the county. There were 32 current cases and 198 cases released from isolation. Mobray said 18 cases have required hospitalization and six were hospitalized at the time of the meeting. She reported that clients are being seen at the Health Center by appointment and three phone lines were added to keep up with increasing call volume. Mobray reported that the MacArthur property has been listed with Elwood Real Estate, and that the full-time nurse and part-time clerk positions have both been filled. She went on to report that Flu shots are being given by appointment and a drive-thru Flu shot clinic was conducted October 14th where 97 people were vaccinated. Another drive-thru clinic will be conducted October 29th from 11:00 until 5:30. Free flu shots are available for uninsured adults and children, as well as high-dose flu shots for seniors and quadrivalent flu shots for anyone over 6 months of age. Mobray reported that the third Show-Me Healthy Women (SMHW) clinic is scheduled at the Health Center for Monday, October 26th from 8:00 until noon. SMHW is being conducted in collaboration with the Salem Memorial District Hospital and Sandra Headrick, FNP. She will see qualifying patients at the once monthly clinic. Uninsured and under-insured women ages 35-64, that meet income guidelines, can receive well women care at no cost through the program. Interested women should call the Health Center at 729-3106 and ask for Ashley. The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was set for November 19th at 5:00. The meeting was then adjourned.
Colonel Eric T. Olson, the superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, is reminding drivers that deer are more active and create hazards for Missouri motorists this time of year. Deer behavior changes due to mating season, which may cause an increase in sightings and roadway crossings. Hunting and crop harvesting may result in these animals being in places they aren’t usually seen. Drivers are urged to remain alert. If you strike a deer, call 9-1-1 or *55 on a cell phone and report it. Last year, drivers in Missouri experienced 4,320 traffic crashes where deer-vehicle strikes occurred. One deer strike occurred every two hours in the state. In these crashes, there were nine fatalities and 449 people were injured. The majority of deer strike crashes occur in October and November
each year, with the largest number taking place in November. Although deer strikes can occur at any time, most occur during the early morning hours and early evening hours. Remember: Rural areas are not the only places where deer/vehicle strikes occur. Drivers in urban areas of the state should watch for deer as well. When you see a deer, slow down and proceed with caution. Deer often travel in groups--stay on guard after a close call or when you see a single deer. Natural features also affect deer movement. In areas where there are streams or wooded corridors surrounded by farmland, look for more deer to cross roadways. At night, watch for deer eyes to reflect your headlights, which could give you more time to react to their presence. Drivers are reminded that an attempt to avoid striking a deer could result in a more serious crash involving oncoming traffic. Try to remain calm. Overreacting usually leads to more serious traffic crashes. As soon as you see a deer, the best course of action is to reduce your speed. Other drivers may be doing the same, so be sure to pay attention to traffic patterns and always wear your seat belt.
An accident happened Wednesday morning just before 11:15 in Shannon County on Highway 60 in Birch Tree. According to the report from the highway patrol, a 1998 International being driven by 47-year old Gaylon Harper of Bunker, struck a 2000 Buick Lucerne being driven by 42-year old Billy Carrell of Winona. Carrell suffered moderate injuries and she was taken by ambulance to Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains for treatment. The Lucerne sustained extensive damage and was removed from the scene by Baker’s Towing of Birch Tree. The International had moderate damage but was able to be driven from the scene. According to the report Harper was wearing a safety restraint but Carrell was not.
The Scenic Rivers Industries, Inc., better known as the Dent County Sheltered Workshop, will be hosting its First Annual Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser this Saturday at 5:00 at the Salem Community Center@The Armory. There is a $5.00 admission charge and the entry fee is $40 per team. The 1st place team will get $200 and the 2nd place team will receive $100. There will be an auction, prizes and food available. To register or to find out more information, call 729-6264.
The Salem Area Arts Council wants to remind people they can learn to make an old-fashioned Kitchen Witch tonight at the Creative Arts Center from 6:00 until 8:00 with Suzanne Douglas. All supplies and instruction will be provided and you get to take home the finished project. The cost is $10.00 per person and this would be perfect for Halloween. Call or text 247-0279 to register or arrange payment.